We have an enemy. I know people don't like to hear that or even to think that, but it's true. Especially if you are a Christian, you must learn to live with the fact that you (and I) have an enemy. But it's not who the world is trying to tell you it is. It's … Continue reading Stand Up And Fight
God
Work–Don’t Just Pray–for Success
Fred Smith was a leadership expert who worked as a former consultant to companies such Mobil, Caterpillar, and GENESCO. He was also a notable speaker, giving talks and speeches in all fifty states, and a best-selling author of four books, You and Your Network, Learning to Lead, Leading with Integrity, and Breakfast with Fred. More … Continue reading Work–Don’t Just Pray–for Success
Denying Joy
I love guinea pigs. If you've followed me for any amount of time, you won't be surprised by this. These little half-pound meat potatoes bring so much joy to my life, and I've had to exercise an insane amount of self-control to limit myself to only three. My retirement goal is to open a guinea … Continue reading Denying Joy
I Am No Painter
Lewis Smedes, the renowned Christian author, tells a remarkable story about Michelangelo in his book Standing on the Promises: "One early evening, as dusk darkened the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo, weary, sore, and doubtful, climbed down the ladder from his scaffolding where he had been lying on his back since dawn painting the chapel ceiling. After … Continue reading I Am No Painter
Who Are You?
Who are you? This used to be a simple question. But "identity" has become such a complex flashpoint in our culture that this once seemingly innocuous question has now become much more loaded. Who are you? Culture will try to give us many answers to this question. You are your name, your age, your social … Continue reading Who Are You?
The Choice of the Yoke
We've all been there. Your alarm goes off, and an immediate sense of dread overtakes you. Or maybe even tears. The thought of getting out of bed sends an ache into your stomach. You are exhausted. You are fed up. You simply can't do life today. You feel as if you have absolutely nothing left. … Continue reading The Choice of the Yoke
Spiritual Lessons in Graham Crackers
Like many parents, I had a hard time getting my children to eat when they were younger, although the timeline of their pickiness was reversed. My son refused to eat almost everything until he turned five; then, suddenly, he decided he wanted to eat EVERYTHING. (And, while I'm thankful, now that he's nearing the teenage … Continue reading Spiritual Lessons in Graham Crackers
When Love Hurts
Ahhh, Valentine's Day. The air is awash with the smell of overpriced roses, my dining room table is covered with glitter from my school-age children's card-making, and my waistline is telling me I absolutely do not need anymore of those delicious heart-shaped chocolates. Okay, yes, I sound a bit cynical. I'm not a huge fan … Continue reading When Love Hurts
Keeping Secrets
As mentioned in my last "wellnesswednesday" post, I'm continuing a deep dive through the books of 1 and 2 Kings. And, also as previously mentioned, there is a distinct pattern that becomes evident the longer you read: "XYZ, son of ABC, became king in 123, and ruled for 456 years. He did evil/good in the … Continue reading Keeping Secrets
Seeking Fame and Fortune in the Book of Kings
I'm currently doing an in-depth study of the books of 1 and 2 Kings and, while I love diving into the history of the Old Testament because of the deeper understanding it gives me of the New Testament, I have to admit: some of the OT stories can drag a bit. Especially for a writer … Continue reading Seeking Fame and Fortune in the Book of Kings